Ross Whiteley has completed a shock move to Worcestershire after leaving Derbyshire by mutual consent.
The 24-year-old all-rounder, who came through Derbyshire’s academy and went on to make 68 first-team appearances for the club, was allowed to seek pastures new after expressing a desire to spend the winter in Australia.
He has subsequently agreed a contract at New Road that will run until the end of the 2016 county season.
Explaining Whiteley’s exit, Derbyshire head coach Karl Krikken said: “Ross intends to pursue his career during the winter in Australia, a move which does not fit in with our plans for a full winter pre-season with Derbyshire.
“While we are disappointed to lose Ross, we have sufficient quality in the squad to make up for his departure and we wish Ross well in his future endeavours.”
Derbyshire chief executive Simon Storey added: “In the light of Ross' request to be released from his contract, the board has agreed that it would be in the best interests of club and player that he leaves and a deal has been agreed for his immediate move to New Road.”
Whiteley featured in 14 LV= County Championship games as Derbyshire won the Division Two title last summer, but has been hampered by injury this term and not featured since May.
The left-hander represented England in last winter's Hong Kong Sixes.